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Antarctic research center relocates to New Zealand

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-05-26 15:19

WELLINGTON -- The global organization responsible for co-ordinating the Antarctic research activities of 29 nations was shifting from Australia's Hobart to New Zealand South Island city of Christchurch.

The international secretariat of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programs (Comnap) will be based at Canterbury University's Gateway Antarctica research center, New Zealand media reported on Tuesday.

Acquisition of the research coordination at Canterbury came just as the university starts promoting increased political scrutiny of the signatories to the Antarctic Treaty, which include China, Russia, the United States, Britain and India.

Signed in Washington in 1959, the treaty established Antarctica- - the world's fifth largest continent -- as a region of peace and cooperation, but has become a bone of contention as nations have eyed a wealth of valuable resources.

Michelle Rogan-Finnemore, Gateway Antarctica's center manager, has also been appointed as the Comnap executive secretary, and will take up the role on July 1.

Gateway Antarctica director Bryan Storey said hosting the secretariat will reinforce Christchurch's position as a key gateway to Antarctica.